Sulfur Hexafluoride
Chemical Formula: SF6
Typical Detection Wavelength: 10.55µm
Filter Type: Narrow Bandpass (NBP)
Description: Sulfur Hexafluoride has a number of industrial uses, particularly in the electrical industry where it is used as an insulating gas for high voltage circuit breakers and switchgear apparatus. Sulfur Hexafluoride is colourless, odourless and non-toxic, and whilst it is not especially harmful to humans in small doses, it is regarded as one of the most potent Greenhouse gasses and therefore needs to be closely monitored.
An infrared optical filter can be successfully used for the early detection and warning of the presence of Sulfur Hexafluoride in the atmosphere, as the SF6 gas absorbs IR radiation at a specific wavelength with typical absorption around 10.55µm.
Example Transmission Curve:
Centre Wavelength: 10.55µm ± 0.5%
Half Bandwidth: 200nm ± 50nm
Transmission Peak: >70%
Umicore has significant experience in producing IR Filters to the highest standards for the early detection of Sulfur Hexafluoride and many other gasses.